Jesus es el Señor!
September 16 is Mexico's Independence Day. This is when Mexico celebrates its declaration of Independence from Spain that occured in 1810. And on Friday, September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month began. What an important and rich culture our hispanic friends have. And it is so important to us all. So, if you have friends with Mexican roots, wish them a Happy Independence Day. And let them know, genuinely, how much you are thankful for them.
When I was in my early teens my Dad was one of the Ministers at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta. In our Church there was a Spanish Congregation that met as well. Reuben Machato was the Pastor. And what a story he had. He had escaped the communist rule in Cuba. He actually hid in a banana boat and safely made it to refuge in America. He was one of the kindest, gentle spirits I had ever met - yet one of the strongest, fearless men I knew. What a story. Escaping so that he could have the freedom to worship and share the Gospel - freedoms that many times I take for granted. Also within this congregation I met some of my best "Junior High" friends. I will always remember my friend Sam. He was so handsome and fun. He and I would sometimes get caught with our youthful pranks, but many times they went undiscovered. So we thought. The one thing that Rev. Reuben and Sam instilled in me was the desire to explore other cultures, and learn other languages, such as Spanish. In fact, it was when I was participating on a Mission Trip/Choir Tour with the Youth of this Church that I committed my life to "do whatever God wanted me to do - other than be a Pastor". (I am glad God has a sense of humor and knows better than a 15 year old boy.). This special trip and time in my life occurred in Brownsville, TX and Matamoros, MX. I remember, nearly fifty years later, like it was yesterday.
We, as Believers, are part of a huge, multi-national, multi-racial family called the Family of God. We have incredible Brothers and Sisters that we have never met. We also have been given the mandate by our Saviour to share the Good News with ALL people. What a big responsibility and even bigger privilege. And we begin by sharing with the part of the world that we live in. Our backyard, our neighborhood, the Vale, Fairview, Franklin, Middle Tennessee and beyond. Jesus tells us (Matthew 28:18-20)...
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
So let's be obedient and do it. I encourage you to join us this Sunday. We will continue our study of 1 John. This week we are looking at "the Family". I hope you know are an important part of ours, and we miss you when you are not present. And ALWAYS Remember...Jesus es el Señor and...
¡Eres amado! (YOU ARE LOVED!)
Pastor Lonnie
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)